OUR ENVIRONMENT

As a timber company, we are very aware of growing concerns over the loss of the world's forests and the management, conservation and sustainable development of forests is a key aim of ours. It is our mission to ensure that we do not contribute to the destruction and degradation of our woodlands and forests and that our activities actually have a positive effect on our environment.

The impacts of global warming and the greenhouse effect are topical subjects in the press and there are many existing initiatives aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. Forestry and timber production has a key role to play in this effort but there are many misconceptions. It is The Timber Mill's goal to dispel the myth that cutting down trees and using timber as a material is a bad thing to do. The fact is we need to plant more trees and increase the demand for timber and timber products.

Did you know that:

• An average household emits over 6 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year.
• Wood is a renewable resource who's growth actually helps reduce the CO2 in the atmosphere.
• Trees absorb CO2 and releases oxygen back into the atmosphere.
• You would have to plant 8 trees in order to offset 6 tonnes of CO2.
• A mature tree can give off the equivalent oxygen supply as would be used up by 10 people.
• About half of the greenhouse effect is caused by our use of energy, especially from fossil fuels.
• When a tree is burnt or decays the CO2 it has stored is released back into the atmosphere.
• A tree will only ever emit the same level of CO2 back into the atmosphere as it has absorbed during its life, which makes it carbon neutral.
• Timber is a renewable resource i.e. if we ensure we replace trees, they will never run out.
• It is generally agreed that the CO2 emissions from timber production is far less then that generated by the manufacture of other materials.
• Organisations such as the Forestry Commission and The Woodland Trust are actively seeking ways to increase the demand for wood and wooden products.

So, if wood is carbon neutral, we can only reduce the level of CO2 emissions if we use timber as an alternative to other manmade materials that generate higher levels of CO2 such as concrete, plastic or steel, or as a replacement for fossil fuels. In addition to the fact that wood is aesthetically pleasing, there are more benefits of timber over other materials, such as its excellent insulating properties, which provides an energy efficient material for buildings. Also, apart from providing us with oxygen, woodlands and forests help reduce the impact of flooding, and when strategically placed, can provide homes with protection against winter wind and rain and provide shade in the summer heat, all of which contributes to a more energy sufficient home.

What you can do help:

• Help to offset some of your CO2 emissions by buying a tree to plant in your garden or make a contribution to plant a tree.
• When selecting products, consider wood as an alternative. A wooden door looks so much better than a plastic one.
• Wherever possible, consider wood as an alternative to fossil fuels.
• Support organisations such as The Woodland Trust and The Forestry Commission.
• And of course, walk more, drive less and recycle.